Non-wetting soil in the West Midlands region

Location: in the west midlands area

Project start date: 1 July 2014

Project end date: 30 June 2019

Funding: sourced from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Project Aim: This project aims to improve the soil resource through promotion of sustainable farming practices that will overcome non-wetting soils. Non-wetting soils is a significant environmental issue as they prevent soils from wetting up and limit plant growth that can occur on these soils. This can then increase the risk of soil erosion.

The aim of the project is to empower growers to identify their water repellent soils and provide knowledge of possible management options that best suit individual paddocks.

WMG will work with DAFWA staff to assist in the monitoring, evaluation and capturing of the results of on-farm grower testing, implementation and adoption of water repellence management options.

From this information WMG will assist in the delivery of water repellence extension in the west midlands area as well as various information articles in the WMG newsletter.

For more information on this project contact Steve Davies, DAFWA: Stephen.davies@agric.wa.gov.au